We visited the urban kibbutz, Sderot situated 3-5km away from the Gaza Strip. They promote a different social model of life - keeping their ideology and intimacy of the Jewish community within an urban environment.
Sderot was under constant attack during the Intifada of 2001 and the 2008 war on Gaza with between 10 - 60 rockets fired at the town every day. In the past an alarm would go off warning the residents that a rocket was fired, but this gave them only a 30 second headstart to get out of the line of fire. Off course they had no way of knowing where the town would be hit and stood no chance of hiding. The residents lived in fear day and night and reporting for duty at work and completing menial tasks became impossible because they were constantly worried about the safety of their families. As a result approximtely 20% of the population moved out of this town that was once vibrant and had good relations with the people of Gaza. The evidence of the war in this town is clearly visible. The bus shelters are built with protection and every house has a bomb shelter extended. 
Some members of this community became tired of this war and raised "The Other Voice" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East and it was them that we visited a few days ago. Nomika and Eric, both residents of Sderot and founding members of The Other Voice, explained the traumatizing experiences that they suffered during the wars. She says that the town members underwent group counselling, but the war polluted every heart, soul and mind and definitely left the community emotionally wounded. They decided to reconnect with their neighbours and are trying to make contact in an attempt to show solidarity. However, reaching or entering Gaza at this time is impossible; the Strip is under complete closure and no one is allowed in or out because of the seige and blockade. The only way to talk with Palestinians who live there are by means of anonimous telephone conversations as they fear being labelled as collaborating with the enemy or traitors.
Some members of this community became tired of this war and raised "The Other Voice" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East and it was them that we visited a few days ago. Nomika and Eric, both residents of Sderot and founding members of The Other Voice, explained the traumatizing experiences that they suffered during the wars. She says that the town members underwent group counselling, but the war polluted every heart, soul and mind and definitely left the community emotionally wounded. They decided to reconnect with their neighbours and are trying to make contact in an attempt to show solidarity. However, reaching or entering Gaza at this time is impossible; the Strip is under complete closure and no one is allowed in or out because of the seige and blockade. The only way to talk with Palestinians who live there are by means of anonimous telephone conversations as they fear being labelled as collaborating with the enemy or traitors.
Nomika and Eric are ready to face social isolation for being empathetic to the "enemy" and for their candid opinions. They are willing to contribute their share towards a peaceful coexistance.
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